KUALA NERUS - Malaysia’s estimated 167,000 international students contribute about RM20 billion annually to the economy through tuition fees and living expenses, according to Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) chief executive officer Novie Tajuddin.

Novie said EMGS research found that each international student spends an average of about RM10,000 a month while staying in Malaysia.

“With 167,000 international students currently in Malaysia, they contribute approximately RM20 billion a year to the national economy,” he said at the Malaysian Cultural Discovery Community Immersion Program at Pantai Teluk Ketapang on August 22, as reported by Bernama.

He said the economic impact also extends to surrounding communities, particularly in states such as Terengganu where students attend institutions including Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

Novie said international students benefit not only higher education institutions but also local businesses, including food outlets and service providers.

Malaysia is now recognised as one of the world’s 14 leading higher education destinations, reflecting its growing appeal among international students, he said.

“Previously, only four countries — the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada — were often the top choices for international students, but Malaysia is now also on the list.

“This shows that we have become a competitor in global higher education,” he said.

Novie said Malaysia’s international student population has grown by about 23 per cent over the past three years, indicating rising interest in pursuing higher education in the country.

He said Malaysia is targeting 500,000 international students by 2035 under the 10-year Malaysia Higher Education Plan.

“We currently have only 167,000 students. God willing, we are undertaking many initiatives, and this is just one of them.

“We will go to all parts of the world, covering around seven to eight regions, to promote Malaysian higher education,” he added.

China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan are currently the five largest sources of international students in Malaysia, Novie said.

He added that most international students are pursuing postgraduate studies, with the overall population comprising students at both public and private higher education institutions.